St Thomas sunsets come with a side of good drinks. This 90-minute catamaran sail pairs great sea views with an honest-to-goodness open bar and champagne, plus hors d’oeuvres that make the whole thing feel like a treat. The main drawback to plan around is that it’s still a boat outing in Caribbean conditions, so you’ll want to dress for wind and watch how much you expect to eat—these are appetizers, not a full dinner.

I like that the cruise is simple: you start at the Ritz-Carlton, head out into the St John area, then come back with enough daylight to photograph the sky. I also like the vibe people describe—friendly crew attention, smooth sailing, and service that keeps the drinks moving.

One more consideration: the experience price is pretty reasonable for what you get, but parking at the Ritz is extra ($25), and gratuity isn’t included. If you’re the kind of person who needs things to be perfectly stress-free, plan to arrive early and be very clear about where you’re going.

Key things that make this sunset sail worth it

• Sunset views from the water: you get a different angle than the shore crowd.
• Champagne included: not just a single pour—this is built into the experience.
• Open bar drinks on board: strong enough to make the afternoon feel like a proper night out.
• Hors d’oeuvres served during the cruise: small bites meant to snack, not replace dinner.
• Professional, guest-focused crews: names like Captain Heather and Captain Jolene come up, along with staff members such as Jackson, Mason, and Mike.
• A calm-ish pace with photo time: you’re not racing from stop to stop—just enjoying the light change.

Ritz-Carlton meet-up and the smooth start you’ll want

The meeting point is the Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas (6900 Great Bay, Nazareth, St Thomas 00802, USVI). The cruise ends right back where it starts, so you don’t have to worry about a complicated return plan.

Parking is available on site at the Ritz-Carlton for $25. There’s also public transportation nearby, which is helpful if you’re trying to keep your night light on logistics. Since the cruise departs from the beach area, I strongly suggest building in extra time for parking and walking—some people get surprised by how quickly “on time” can turn into “running.”

Also note the small but important boarding detail: entry to the catamaran is from the beach and shallow water, and the advice from past guests is to go without shoes. That’s not something you want to figure out at the last second, so wear practical swim-safe clothing or bring a plan for where your shoes will go.

The 90 minutes on the catamaran: how the sailing part actually works

This is an approximately 1 hour 30 minutes sunset cruise, and the rhythm is all about pacing. You’ll head out from the Ritz area and sail into the waters around St John, which is the key to getting those “island silhouettes” when the sky starts to glow.

In the first portion of the sail, you’ll settle in, find your spot, and get your first round of drinks and small bites. This is also when the boat movement feels most noticeable, so if you’re sensitive to motion, pick a spot where you feel balanced and avoid rushing to the snack table the moment you step aboard.

Mid-cruise is where the experience tends to hit its stride. That’s when the open bar and champagne pair nicely with the changing colors. Past guests also mention the crew sharing information about the area, so you’re not just staring out at the horizon—you’re getting a little context as you go.

Then comes the main event: the sunset itself. You’ll want to have your phone camera ready for the angle you can only get from the sea. One practical tip that makes a difference: wait until the catamaran pauses for the sunset viewing before digging into the appetizers, so you’re eating when the boat is steadier and the views are the priority.

On the way back, you’ll still have time to enjoy the final glow without feeling like the night vanished in a blur. The whole format is built to end where you started, which is a real convenience in St Thomas.

Why the St John horizon is the star (and what to do with the wind)

Sailing into St John waters is the reason this cruise feels special. From the sea, the light hits differently than it does on land—especially when the sun drops low and the islands start looking like cut paper against the sky.

The best strategy is to treat the wind like part of the show. A sunset sail can get breezy, even on pleasant evenings, and that affects comfort and how long you’ll want to stand at the rail. Dress in layers, bring something to cover your shoulders if you tend to get chilly, and don’t plan on staying in wet clothes longer than necessary.

If you’re serious about photos, choose your spot with two things in mind: sight lines and where staff will pass. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres are served, so you want a place where you can watch the horizon while still moving safely when the crew comes by. In past trips, bar service has even been set up to deliver drinks to seats, which helps you stay put and focus on the sky.

Safety also matters here. Guests note the crew being safety-conscious and customer-focused, so expect clear guidance and a steady hand from the staff. That matters even if you don’t usually think about it—on water, comfort comes from doing things the right way.

Open bar, champagne, and the appetizer reality check

Let’s talk value, because this is where the math works. The price includes alcoholic beverages, champagne, and a full open bar, plus assorted hors d’oeuvres. That means you’re not doing the usual “buy drinks separately” dance that can inflate costs fast on vacation.

Champagne is included, and many guests call out the drinks as a highlight, describing the bar and bar service as top-notch. There’s also a theme of strong drinks—enough that people describe leaving tipsy. So if you’re planning to eat dinner afterward, pace yourself.

About the food: hors d’oeuvres are served, but they’re still appetizers. That’s important because one negative comment centered on the idea that the hors d’oeuvres felt limited. The good move is to think of this cruise as a pre-dinner snack and sunset show, not a full meal replacement.

If you want to keep the experience comfortable, do this:

• Eat when the boat is steadier during the sunset viewing.
• Save your appetite for a real meal after you return to the Ritz area.

In other words: drink, snack, and enjoy the light. That’s the formula.

Crew attention: what the best sailings feel like

The standout theme in the feedback is crew attention. Names like Captain Heather and Captain Jolene show up with praise for being fabulous, accommodating, and great at keeping guests comfortable. Staff members including Jackson, Mason, and Mike also get called out for being friendly and engaging.

That matters because a sunset sail lives or dies on the little moments:

• Getting drinks at the right time
• Making sure everyone can see (and that people aren’t stuck in awkward positions)
• Keeping the pace relaxed while still serving food and drinks

Even when the boat is full enough to feel social, the best crews manage it without turning the cruise into chaos. Guests highlight smooth sailing and friendly service, plus information about the area. And if you’re traveling with a baby, there’s at least one story where the crew was attentive and kept things comfortable—so the boat can handle real-life travel moments, not just couples in matching outfits.

There’s also a recurring safety and comfort angle. Guests describe the crew as safety-conscious and customer focused. That’s reassuring because it means you’ll spend more of the cruise watching the sunset and less of it worrying about what to do next.

Price and logistics: getting the best value for $129

At $129 per person, this cruise has a strong value proposition if you’ll actually use what’s included. You’re paying for a 1.5-hour catamaran sunset experience with champagne and open bar and assorted hors d’oeuvres, and the listing notes that all fees and taxes are included.

Then there are the extras you should budget for:

• Gratuity is not included.
• Parking at the Ritz-Carlton is $25 if you drive.

So the real question is: will you take advantage of the bar? If you would have otherwise spent a similar amount on drinks plus a separate activity, this makes sense. If you’re hoping for a quiet, no-service sunset with no alcohol and full dinner-level food, you might feel like it’s not your best fit.

Also keep group size in mind. The maximum is 80 travelers. That’s not massive, but it’s not a private yacht either. If you want a super private feel, arriving prepared and choosing where you’ll stand or sit can make the experience feel calmer.

Who should book this sunset sail, and who should think twice

Book this if you want a classic Caribbean sunset with an easy schedule and built-in fun. It’s also a good fit if you like the idea of a catamaran setting where you can watch the islands shift and still get service without interruptions.

It’s especially good for couples and small groups who want one “special hour and change” without committing to a long excursion. The open bar and champagne make it feel like a night out, but the short duration keeps it from consuming your whole evening.

Consider thinking twice if you’re expecting a lot of food. Hors d’oeuvres are served, but it’s still appetizers. Also consider that if you’re very sensitive to motion or you get chilly in wind, you’ll want to dress smart and pick your spot early.

Finally, plan for the practical side of water entry. Shoes don’t seem to be the move for boarding, and shallow water means you should come ready.

Should you book the Days End Sunset Sail from the Ritz-Carlton?

Yes, you should book it if you want a straightforward, high-comfort sunset plan where your biggest decisions are where to stand for photos and how fast to sip. For $129, the included champagne, open bar, and hors d’oeuvres make the experience feel like more than just a scenic ride.

Only skip it if you want a full meal, a super-quiet private vibe, or zero-thought logistics. In that case, you might be happier with a shore-based sunset plan where you control everything. But if you’re ready for a relaxing sail, a strong bar, and that St John horizon glow, this is a solid way to end a day in the US Virgin Islands.

FAQ

How long is the sunset sail?

The experience lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at the Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas, 6900 Great Bay, Nazareth, St Thomas 00802, USVI.

What is the price per person?

The price is $129.00 per person.

What’s included with the ticket?

The ticket includes champagne, an open bar with alcoholic beverages, assorted hors d’oeuvres, and all fees and taxes.

Is gratuity included?

No. Gratuity is not included.

Is parking available at the Ritz-Carlton?

Yes. On-site parking is available at the Ritz-Carlton for $25.

Are there options for food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Yes. Alternative food items may be arranged with 72 hours advanced notice, and they may be subject to additional costs.

What is the maximum group size?

This tour/activity has a maximum of 80 travelers.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far ahead can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.

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